ISIS Submits Comments to CMS on 2014 Payment Regulations - Epidural Cuts and Fluoroscopy Guidance

On January 27, ISIS submitted comments to CMS regarding the revisions to payment policies under the physician fee schedule for CY 2014. ISIS strongly opposed CMS’ proposed rationale for cutting values of interlaminar injections and is requesting that CMS convene a Refinement Panel to review CMS’ decision. ISIS had requested and successfully participated in a refinement panel in the past to raise the work value of the transforaminal epidural code. Additionally, in response to CMS’ comments questioning fluoroscopy guidance values, ISIS asserted that the physician work time and value are appropriate for the spine imaging guidance code. To see the ISIS comment letter, click here. ISIS also collaborated with multiple pain societies in submitting an additional letter expressing concerns with the cuts to the epidural interlaminar procedures and calling on CMS to revert to the previous values, until the process is finalized. The multi-society letter is available here.